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We’ve long known that Black transgender people in the South are some of the most vulnerable folks in our community, and this report details new data that provides additional insights. As a transgender leader in the South, I know how strong and resilient transgender people are – but to read about respondents’ struggles with mental health challenges, depression and anxiety, and getting access to quality, affirming care breaks my heart. Everyone should be able to access the care they need, and we must work strategically to implement both anti-racist and trans-affirming health care practices.
Tomorrow, we acknowledge Transgender Day of Remembrance and Transgender Day of Resilience, when we honor so many courageous transgender people who are no longer with us. Each year, dozens of transgender people, overwhelmingly Black transgender women, are murdered, and it’s vital that we say their names, honor their lives, and demand justice.
As we do so, let us also fight to ensure dignity, justice, and equality for Black transgender Southerners who are living. I hope you’ll read this report and consider it a call to action – for yourself but also for institutions and organizations – to invest in improving their systems and making tangible change to support Black transgender people in the South.
Let’s move forward together,
Ivy Hill
Director of Community Health Programs
Campaign for Southern Equality
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